The forum of top nine ministers decided on Thursday to permit the construction of 3,000 more housing units in Jerusalem and the West Bank. It was also decided to further the planning procedures of another 1,000 units in Jerusalem and the West Bank settlements, including

the section connecting between Ma'aleh Adumim and Jerusalem.

Israel is considering additional measures and a state official said that the continued building is in accordance with Israel's strategic interests map. The step was taken at the backdrop of UN General Assembly recognition of the Palestinian Authority as an observer state. (Atilla Somfalvi, Ynet, Itamar Eichner, Yedioth Ahronoth)